The S.W.A.T. Cancellation Saga: Why CBS Axed The Show (Again) And What's Next For Hondo In 2025

The action-packed saga of *S.W.A.T.* has finally concluded its tumultuous run on CBS, but not without one last dramatic twist. The show, which has become famous for its multiple cancellations and subsequent renewals, officially ended its run with the conclusion of its eighth season in the 2024-2025 television schedule. This definitive end follows a pattern of financial disputes and network negotiations that have plagued the popular police procedural for years, proving that even high ratings can't always save a show from budget realities. As of this December 2025 update, the focus has shifted entirely to the confirmed future of its leading man, Shemar Moore, and the highly anticipated new spin-off, *S.W.A.T. Exiles*. The news of the final cancellation, which was announced in March 2025, sent shockwaves through the devoted fanbase, despite the show's history of near-death experiences. The core issue, as always, was less about viewership and more about the intricate financial relationship between the network, CBS, and the production studio, Sony Pictures Television. While the main series is over, the spirit of the 20-Squad lives on, promising a new chapter for Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr.

Shemar Moore: Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. Biography Profile

The success and resilience of the 2017 *S.W.A.T.* reboot are inextricably linked to its charismatic lead, Shemar Moore. His advocacy and public outcry played a significant role in the show's previous renewal reversals.

• Full Name: Shemar Franklin Moore
• Date of Birth: April 20, 1970
• Birth Place: Oakland, California, United States
• Profession: Actor, Model, Producer, and Television Personality
• Notable Roles:
  • Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. on *S.W.A.T.* (2017–2025)
  • Derek Morgan on *Criminal Minds* (2005–2016)
  • Malcolm Winters on *The Young and the Restless* (1994–2002)
• Awards/Recognition: Multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award.

Moore’s extensive background in television, particularly in long-running procedurals like *Criminal Minds*, established him as a reliable and bankable star, which was a major factor in the network's decision to revive the show multiple times.

The Real Reason Behind the Final S.W.A.T. Cancellation

The question "Why was *S.W.A.T.* cancelled?" has a complex answer that boils down to dollars and cents, not declining popularity. The series consistently delivered strong ratings, especially in delayed viewing and streaming, yet it was ultimately doomed by its expensive nature and a fundamental financial disagreement.

The High Cost of Action-Packed Television

*S.W.A.T.* is a high-octane action drama, which means its production costs are significantly higher than typical studio-bound procedurals. The frequent location shooting in Los Angeles, combined with the need for elaborate stunts, pyrotechnics, and specialized equipment for the Special Weapons And Tactics team, made it a very costly show to produce.

The CBS vs. Sony Licensing Fee Dispute

The primary, recurring obstacle was the financial arrangement between the network, CBS, and the studio that produces the show, Sony Pictures Television.

In short, CBS pays a "licensing fee" to Sony to air the show. As a series ages, the licensing fee often increases, and CBS felt the cost was becoming unsustainable, especially since the network does not own the show outright (Sony does). The negotiations reportedly broke down multiple times over this issue, leading to the show's initial abrupt cancellation after Season 6 in 2023, and later, the final decision after Season 8.

The 2023 cancellation was famously reversed just three days later due to an unprecedented public outcry led by Shemar Moore himself, resulting in a deal for a shortened seventh season. The renewal for an eighth season in April 2024 was seen as another miracle, but it was confirmed to be the final chapter, a concession that provided the creative team with time to craft a proper series finale for Hondo and the rest of the 20-Squad, including characters like David "Deacon" Kay, Victor Tan, and Robert Hicks.

The Future is Confirmed: S.W.A.T. Exiles Spinoff

While the cancellation of the main series is a disappointment for fans of the *S.W.A.T.* universe, the story of Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. is far from over. The final season paved the way for a new chapter, confirming a spinoff series tentatively titled *S.W.A.T. Exiles*.

What We Know About S.W.A.T. Exiles

The new series is a clear move by the studio to keep the franchise alive and capitalize on the global popularity of the character Hondo.

• Starring Role: Shemar Moore is confirmed to return as the lead.
• Plot Focus: *S.W.A.T. Exiles* is expected to focus on Hondo leading a new, younger team of Gen Z squaddies on international missions. This change of setting will likely allow the production to shift locations and potentially lower the high operating costs associated with the Los Angeles-based original.
• Production Timeline: Production on the new 10-episode spin-off is slated to commence in the summer of 2025.
• Creative Team: The spin-off will be helmed by a new showrunner, Jason Ning, known for his work on *Lucifer*, signaling a fresh creative direction while maintaining the action-drama core established by original creators Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan.

This transition from the main series to *S.W.A.T. Exiles* is a strategic move, allowing Sony Pictures Television and CBS to continue their partnership in a more financially viable format. The shift to a limited 10-episode run, focusing on a smaller core cast and an "exiles" premise, suggests a more streamlined budget and a new narrative trajectory for the enduring franchise.

The Legacy of the 20-Squad

The 2017 *S.W.A.T.* series leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not just as a successful police procedural but as a show that fought for its life—and won—multiple times. The show successfully rebooted the 1975 series, bringing a modern, diverse, and socially aware perspective to the Special Weapons And Tactics unit. The cast, including fan favorites like Alex Russell's James "Jim" Street and Kenny Johnson's Dominique Luca, developed a strong, believable team dynamic that resonated deeply with viewers. Even the departure of a key character like Lina Esco’s Christina "Chris" Alonso was handled with respect and provided a meaningful conclusion to her character arc. While the final cancellation of the main show marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles-based unit, the high viewership and the immediate confirmation of *S.W.A.T. Exiles* demonstrate the franchise's topical authority and staying power. Fans can look forward to Hondo's return and the continuation of the action in a new, international setting, proving that the spirit of the S.W.A.T. team is truly unshakeable.